One of Schmidt's first attempts at magic book illustrations was in the 1940's with Jean Hugard on Expert Card Technique, but they ended up using Donna Allen instead.

He served in the Army Air Corps from 1941 to 1945 and reenlisted in 1949 to spend sixteen more years in the military, with the later years as a cryptographer.

Schmidt first published illustration was for a one-hand riffle shuffle that appeared in Hugard's Magic Monthly December, 1944.

In 1970, he submitted to Karl Fulves a coin flourish complete with illustrations. The contribution was published in Volume 5, Issue #10 of Pallbearers Review. Fulves was very impressed with Schmidt's artistic abilities and just happened to be looking for an artist to illustrate some more lengthier routines. He asked Schmidt to illustrate "Canterbury Cups" and Schmidt agreed. Fulves and Schmidt's relationship grew and it continues to this day. Fulves was the first person to refer to Schmidt as an "artist". Schmidt has illustrated over 75 books, manuscripts and booklets for Fulves, including Swindle Sheet, Cheat Sheet, Rigmarole, and Verbatim.